Ipid asks police to suspend top intelligence cop over fraud allegations

Acting national police commissioner Lesetja Mothiba has been requested by police watchdog organisation The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) to suspend the crime intelligence boss’ secret slush fund over a half-a-million-rand fraud investigation.

The details of Major-General Obed Nemutanzhela’s suspension were reportedly contained in a letter that Ipid sent to police management dated September 1, 2017, EWN reported on Wednesday.

However, it is understood the police have not acted on the request.

Nemutanzhela is facing charges of fraud and theft of state money after he allegedly approved a cash advance of R563 000 for installing blinds at crime intelligence safe houses in 2013, though the actual cost of the job was said to be less than R100 000.

In the letter to Mothiba, the police watchdog organisation raised concerns over their investigation being hampered by Nemutanzhela’s continued presence as head of the crime intelligence slush fund. The Ipid was also concerned that cooperation with witnesses would be impeded.

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